Robotic Surgery in Knee Replacement Allows for Personalized Treatment

Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Hasan Bombacı, who emphasizes that knee replacement surgeries can be done more effectively with advanced surgical methods, said, "The use of robotic surgery in orthopedic procedures is expanding. In robotic knee replacement surgery, it's possible to reach the target with more minimal incisions. Thanks to robotic surgery, we make fewer and more precise incisions, essentially personalizing the prosthesis during the procedure."

Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist stated that as the use of robots becomes more widespread in various fields, the visibility of robots in prosthetic surgery in the field of orthopedics is increasing day by day. He said, "These technologies enable surgeons to perform more precise, accurate, and repeatable procedures during surgery."
 “There is a growing demand and application for robotic surgery in the field of surgery.” 
Our expert emphasized the significant role of technological advancements in almost every aspect of life. They mentioned that one of the reflections of these advancements in orthopedics and medicine is robotic surgery. Robot-assisted surgery has found its place primarily in prosthetic surgery in the field of orthopedics and traumatology, and there is a growing demand and application in this regard. 

“There isn't a significant difference in terms of indications” 

Our expert highlights that in knee replacement surgery, it's possible to improve the patient's quality of life along with their mobility. Here's some information:
"In knee prostheses, the damaged surfaces of the joint are removed, and they are covered with a metal and plastic coating, providing relief and improved comfort to patients with painful and immobile knees. In robotic knee prostheses, we perform procedures according to a pre-planned program. There isn't a significant difference in terms of indications between a normal knee prosthesis and a robotic knee prosthesis. However, in some cases, the robot offers clear advantages. For instance, in patients with significant deformities in the upper and lower parts of the knee, knee prosthesis surgeries conducted with robotic surgery can achieve much better results. This is because, before the surgery begins, the leg is introduced to the robot in three dimensions, minimizing the technical difficulties caused by existing deformities."
Our expert also notes that, like in other prosthetic surgeries, robotic surgery is more commonly preferred after the age of 60-65. However, in cases where there is a permanent injury due to rheumatism or trauma to the knee, robotic surgery can also be performed at a younger age.

"By conducting calculations, it is possible for us to obtain the most suitable information."

"Although normal prostheses can result in very successful surgeries, sometimes patients may not be satisfied due to complications. In some cases, even without any apparent reason, one hundred percent satisfaction cannot be achieved in these patients. In such situations, suspicions arise regarding some as-yet-undetermined causes, leading to various explorations. Robots are one of these explorations," said Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist as he shared the following information about this surgical procedure:
"In patients to whom prostheses are to be applied, significant bone damage can occur over time, or the knee may have previously deformed and progressed to arthritis. In such cases, the positive effect of the robot becomes more pronounced. In these types of prosthesis surgeries, the robot allows for fewer and more accurate incisions, essentially personalizing the prosthesis application. Preoperative planning is also necessary for traditional prostheses, but with robotic surgery, planning can be much more detailed. Additionally, some robots can provide information to the device during surgery in addition to preoperative planning, allowing us to achieve the most suitable prosthesis placement results through calculations.

The robot evaluates the operated leg as a whole, allowing for the most suitable incisions to be made and the placement of a prosthesis that fits the patient's structure. Furthermore, especially in delayed cases, abnormal loading of the knee developed over time due to bone damage can also cause soft tissue damage. Soft tissue damage is important during prosthesis placement because considering ligaments is essential for balancing the knee and properly positioning the prosthesis. If a prosthesis is made unevenly, it will wear out earlier. Therefore, in knee prosthesis surgery, as individuals have different knee problems and deformities, it is inevitable that the prosthesis components will also have different angles. The contribution of the robot is crucial in this regard." 

"It is possible to ensure that the patient incurs less damage in the operated area"

Our expert mentioned that robotic surgery allows for fewer and more accurate incisions, stating, "In cases where robots are used, pre-operative calculations enable reaching the target with fewer incisions, resulting in less damage to the operated area. This accelerates the recovery process. Although there is no difference between the classic prosthesis and the robotic prosthesis in terms of putting weight on the operated leg in the postoperative period, we can say that robotic applications offer early benefits in terms of soft tissue healing and the patient's quicker return to mobility."

“The surgeon's training and intervention in the event are highly important and necessary” 

In robotic knee prosthesis surgeries, the importance of the surgeon's experience is emphasized by Prof. Dr. Bombacı, an Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist at Yeditepe University Hospitals. He concluded his words as follows: "When people hear 'robot,' they often imagine a technology that performs the surgery entirely on its own. Of course, that's not the case. The robot is used as a technological tool to better manage the process. In prosthetic surgeries involving robots, the surgeon is the one performing, making decisions, occasionally changing decisions, and primarily managing the procedure. In this process, technology is harnessed through the use of the robot. Currently, the robot alone is not capable of performing this procedure. Therefore, the surgeon's training and experience are of utmost importance."